Belgium sees ‘significant potential’ to deepen ties with Türkiye

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Monday highlighted the rapidly growing economic and technological partnership between Belgium and Türkiye, stating that the two nations possess “highly complementary strengths” across multiple strategic sectors.

Queen’s mission signals strong ties

Speaking at the opening of a Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye led by Queen Mathilde, Prevot said the queen’s participation reflected the importance Brussels places on its relationship with Ankara. “This is not a small detail,” Prevot said. “It tells you more eloquently than any speech the importance Belgium attaches to its relationship with Türkiye.” He noted that bilateral ties are built on nearly two centuries of political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, while also acknowledging the role of the Turkish diaspora in Belgium.

Five key sectors for cooperation

Prevot identified five sectors with strong potential for deeper collaboration: green energy transition, aerospace and defense, ports and logistics, life sciences and biotechnology, and digital transformation. “These are not random sectors,” he said, adding that both countries possess “world-class expertise and innovation.” He reported that Belgian exports to Türkiye reached €6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) in 2025, driven mainly by pharmaceuticals and chemicals, while Turkish exports to Belgium totaled €5.6 billion ($6.5 billion), led by vehicles and base metals. “Belgium is also the eighth most important investor in Türkiye,” he said, welcoming increasing Turkish investments in Belgium, including projects expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Customs Union and joint declaration

Prevot underlined the importance of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union in connecting Turkish industry to European value chains, stressing that trade was “only one part of the story.” Flemish Region Minister-President Matthias Diependaele described Türkiye as a “strategic partner for the future,” citing growing cooperation in logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy transition, and technology. “This mission sends a clear message. We are here with ambition, confidence, and a strong business mindset,” Diependaele said, noting that more than 500 business leaders attended the mission. At the Belgium-Türkiye Business Forum, a Joint Declaration on the Development of Bilateral Trade Relations was signed by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, Belgian Foreign Minister Prevot, and Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. Türkiye continues to strengthen its economic and diplomatic footprint in Europe, with Brussels recognizing Ankara’s growing role as a key trade and investment partner.